Unit Plan 24 (PreK Math): Shape Hunt & Comparison
Identify, name, and compare common shapes in real environments; describe straight/curved lines and sides/corners to tell how shapes are alike or different.
Focus: Find and name shapes in the classroom and outdoors; compare shapes by straight/curved lines and number of sides/corners using concrete examples and talk.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Mathematics (Geometry—Shapes & Attributes)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Children become shape detectives, hunting for circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles around them. They practice saying shape names, then notice how shapes are the same or different (straight vs. curved, sides, corners) using everyday objects.
Essential Questions
- Where do I see shapes in my classroom and outdoors?
- What makes two shapes the same or different?
- How can I use words and touch-tracing to tell about a shape?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Find and name common shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) in the environment.
- Compare shapes informally by noticing straight/curved lines and number of sides/corners.
- Use shape words to describe and sort pictures/objects into groups that “go together.”
- Trace, match, and sort shapes using cards, mats, and taped floor outlines.
- Share findings using math talk and pointing/gestures.
Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten
- PK.G.1 — Name common shapes in the environment. Points to circles, squares, triangles, rectangles in classroom objects. Example: Calls a clock a “circle,” a window a “rectangle.” Aligns to: K.G.1–2 (recognition).
- PK.G.3 — Compare shapes informally. Notices similarities/differences (straight/curved, number of sides). Example: “Triangle has 3 corners; circle has none.” Aligns to: K.G.4 (foundation).
- Mathematical Practices: MP.1–MP.6 threaded (perseverance; sense-making; modeling/tools; precision; structure/regularity).
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can find and name circle, square, triangle, rectangle.
- I can tell if a shape has straight or curved parts and how many sides/corners.
- I can say how two shapes are the same or different.